Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

Australian truckies, Senator Cormann, have kids, and they appreciate that we invest in their schools, that we do not seek to destroy their educational opportunities. Why don't you be quiet for a minute and listen so you might learn something about that investment, because this government supports investing in schools, in VET and in universities—in opportunities for our kids. We want our people to be able to get high-skilled, high-paid jobs. That is why this government is investing heavily in improving the educa­tional opportunities available for young Australians, including a record investment in schools, a record investment in vocational education and training, a record investment in universities—all of those things that allow Australians to take advantage of the oppor­tunities of the growing economy and those high-skilled, high-paid jobs that are available.

This government has also made a record investment in health reforms. Not only are we rolling out extra hospital beds and services but also, under the new COAG agreement, an additional $19.8 billion will be invested in public hospitals as extra funding for emergency departments and for procedures that would otherwise not be funded. So this government makes record investments. This government makes a priority of the education and health of Australians. We continue to drive increased investment because we believe the best investment we can make is in education and health, to support our economy, upskill our people and make sure our people are healthy. (Time expired)